Guests arriving at the Amiri show in Paris stepped into a set dotted with cozy armchairs, with a faux library as the backdrop. Was fashion’s foremost purveyor of California cool succumbing to Ralph Lauren mania?
Backstage, Mike Amiri said the décor was meant to evoke a house party in Laurel Canyon in the ’70s, when the Los Angeles neighborhood was home to rock musicians like the Eagles.
Nestled in one of the sofas were Jeff Goldblum and his wife Emilie Livingston, fresh from a concert at the Troubadour nightclub in L.A. during which Goldblum performed with his jazz band, and Livingston – a former Olympic gymnast – did contortions on the piano.
The “Wicked” actor said he was introduced to Amiri by his stylist Andrew Vottero. “We love Mike and we love all his clothes,” he enthused.
No wonder: Amiri’s collections ooze main-character energy. His fall line was all about celebrating individuality, so he hopped freely across vintage eras.
There were the Western-style suits favored by Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley in the ’50s, with details like metal-tipped lapels, floral embroidery and contrast piping. They came in eye-catching hues like deep vine, dusty rose and electric seafoam green, and were paired with metallic cowboy boots.
Peacocks and performers will flock to Amiri’s elevated versions of flea-market finds, like crystal-embroidered cardigans, washed leather jackets and embellished shirts. Some models looked like Buddy Holly, others like Jackson Browne.
“People are looking for something real and something believable and honest. I don’t really believe it’s about loud fashion or quiet fashion. I believe it’s about something that touches people emotionally,” he said.
About that: Amiri’s show format could do with a refresh. With his showbiz connections, why not bring back a music element, like DJ Premier’s memorable performance at his fall 2023 show? Goldblum’s new album, “Night Blooms,” comes out on June 5. Just sayin’.
